Amaharashi Coast
Amaharashi Coast, located just a 5-minute walk from JR Himi Line's Amaharashi Station, is a coveted spot to visit in summer for its pristine, swimmable beaches and crystal-clear waters drawing crowds from far and wide.
The view is amazing! There’s a roadside station attached, so it’s easy to stop by even if you’re driving!
It’s a bit disappointing when the weather is bad 😢
Akihabara Electric Town
Large and small electronics shops cluster in this prominent shopping town in Japan. Nicknamed as Akiba, it is a popular spot not only domestically but also globally. Home appliances, PCs, smartphones, the latest digital devices, of course, but animations, games, figurines, model trains and other pop culture items are gathered here.
I took some photos of the parts that still keep that old-school electric town vibe.
These days, Akihabara feels a lot more centered on subculture, so the traces of its old electronics district are fading. That feels a little sad, honestly.
Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum
This is a museum run by Suzuhiro, a long-established fish paste store established in 1865. Visitors can enjoy learning about various aspects of kamaboko, from its history to its ingredients and nutrition.
If you visit the Kamaboko Museum, it’s also worth stopping by the restaurant and gift shop next door!
Of course, I bought some kamaboko to take home!
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, located in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, is one of the three major Tenjin shrines in the Kanto region. Its official name is "Yushima Tenmangu," but it has been affectionately called "Yushima Tenjin" since ancient times.
Yushima Tenmangu is known as the shrine of learning.
During exam season, it gets crowded with lots of visitors. The ema plaques are filled with wishes for school entrance exams and certification tests.
So many real, heartfelt hopes on display. I hope everyone passes!!
Kanda Myojin
Kanda Myojin is a historical shrine famous for bestowing its blessings in marriage and business prosperity, enhancing luck in battle while warding off danger and disaster. Located in Tokyo's central business district, many firms come to worship at the beginning of the year, as this shrine cannot be ignored if seeking fortune in business.
A shrine right in the middle of the city with a pretty flashy vibe. It’s easy to stop by since it’s within walking distance of Akihabara and Ochanomizu!
Tokyo Station: Marunouchi Station Building
The construction of Japan’s front gate, Tokyo Station, began in March, 1908 and it was opened in December, 1914. Kingo Tatsuno, the pioneer of modern architecture in Japan, designed it. The steel-framed, brick Marunouchi Station building was burned on the roof and interior in the 1945 air raid.
The station building at night feels magical, like stepping into a painting.
The red-brick building in front is lit with a soft, warm glow, while the skyscrapers behind it shine with cool, crisp white light.
It’s a great plaza where you can fully enjoy a very Tokyo-like scene, with history and modernity side by side!!
Kurobe Dam
Standing 186 meters tall, Kurobe Dam is Japan's tallest and one of the largest dams in the world. It took seven years and the efforts of over 10 million workers to overcome numerous challenges, earning it the title of a "monumental project of the century" at the time of its construction.
It’s amazing that they built such a massive dam deep in the mountains!
A powerful structure set in magnificent scenery.
You’ll definitely be blown away!
Lake Onneto
Onneto is the westernmost lake in Akan Mashu National Park. It is also called Goshikinuma (a five-colored lake) because the lake changes its color to five different colors depending on the season, time of day, and angle of view. The lake is only 2.5 kilometers in circumference and can be walked around in about 40 minutes, allowing visitors to enjoy the colorful scenery.
I went in the summer. The weather that day kept switching between rain and no rain, so it was a shame I couldn’t see the lake in its vivid colors. I’d love to come back on a sunny day!
Nagoya City Archives and Museum
A museum housed in the Former Nagoya Court of Appeals, Local Court, and District Court Building, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. As Nagoya City’s public archives, it collects and preserves the city’s administrative documents and materials and makes them available to the public. Spaces for meetings and exhibitions are also available for rent for a fee. The neo-baroque building, with its beautiful contrast of vermilion brick walls and white granite, dates from the late Taisho era and has a rich retro atmosphere.
It’s an old courthouse. The building is so impressive that it almost makes you wonder, “Is admission really free?” Definitely worth seeing!
Himeji Castle Nishi-Oyashiki-ato Garden KOKO-EN
On the southwest side of Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site, Koko-en is a strolling-style garden around ponds and consists of nine different themed gardens, including the Garden of the Lord’s Residence, on a vast site of approx. 3,300 m2. The Edo period atmosphere draws visitors, and it’s also known as a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including samurai dramas.
A garden right next to Himeji Castle. I stopped by after touring the castle.
It’s beautifully maintained and really relaxing.